How to Decide Whether to Take that Job Opportunity in the New City

Three years ago, my husband Kevin, accepted a job in a place we had never been. We moved with little thought. Looking back, it’s no wonder people thought we were crazy for doing it. Things worked out really well for us and next week I’ll start talking about the immigration process. Before that, I wanted to take a look at all the things one should consider when confronted with this decision. Most of these things never crossed our minds until the job offer had been accepted and we arrived in town with all our stuff. I don’t think one should make the decision to move without fully thinking it through. So here’s some tips on how to decide whether to take that job opportunity in a new city from Fat Joe Publishing.

If you are a career-oriented person who is looking for new opportunities to grow and prosper, you might be facing a dilemma when you are offered a new job in a different city. You might be used to your current home your friends, your social circle, and lifestyle, and it might be just too big of a change to take a step away from it all. In case you are looking for the answers, you will need to list the pros and cons, and complete a reality check, to make sure that the new opportunity fits in with your long term plans in life. Find a few things to consider before you make a final decision.

Can You Afford Living There?

Generally speaking, more highly paid jobs and opportunities there are in a city, the higher the living cost will be. You will need to check the property market and decide whether or not you can support your current lifestyle at your new location. Chances are that you will not be able to sell your home right away, and need to rent for a while. This can put a pressure on your personal finances, especially if you are between jobs. Ask around and make sure that you are not spending your extra income on housing costs.

How Long Will it Take You To Find Suitable Accommodation?

Once you have received the official offer for changing your job and city, you will need to research the property market and determine how long it will take you to find the right accommodation. If you are relocating with a family, you will need to make sure that you can get the kids into a good school and your new home will be close to major transport networks and local amenities. You will need to focus on finding your feet in the new company, instead of trying to find your way around the new place.

Can You Visit Your Friends and Family Members?

If you are single, but have a few close friends you will need to leave behind, maybe your parents and siblings, you will need to make sure that you can visit them on your vacation days or during the weekend. Moving to a new city or country for work can be stressful, and you will need your support network to help you through the challenges. If you will not be able to catch up with your old friends, you might feel lost and lonely in a big new city for a long time, until you get to know people and places.

What Is Commuting Like There?

The bigger the city is, the more problems you are likely to encounter when you have to commute daily to work. If you are not aware of the traffic situation or don’t study the public transport network of your location, you might end up disappointed and regretting your choice. It might be a good idea to visit the place during the peak traffic before you make your final decision, so you can see how long it will take you to cross the city or getting from home to the nearest shopping center.

Is It a Big Enough Step Up In Your Career?

After all, you will have to decide whether or not it is worth it to relocate for work. If it is a huge step up in your career, and you have been trying to get that promotion back in your old city without success, it might be worth to make some sacrifices. However, you will also have to ensure that you are offered further contracts and permanent development opportunities, or you might end up stuck in your career, and think about moving on again in a few years.

How Will the Kids Take It?

When you have little ones to consider, your job will be even harder. You will need to make sure that they are on board, which is highly unlikely. You don’t only have to think about your preferences and well being, but also your family’s. It might be a good idea to hold a family meeting and discuss the different aspects of moving, changing schools, living in a new city, home, and not having the people you are used to around. This will help you address objections better and see others’ point of view.

Can You Maintain Your Lifestyle?

One of the things you have to consider thoroughly is your lifestyle. Are you a runner, do you currently cycle to work, or attend yoga classes? Would you like to do all your shopping on a Friday night and chill for the weekend, or take a trip to the country? Are you into rock climbing and scuba diving? If so, you will need to make sure that there are enough opportunities nearby to devote time to your passion and hobbies.

What Is Your Long Term Career Outlook?

You might be thinking one day at a time, and see this step forward as a positive one, you will also have to consider how your commitment will pay off a few years down the line. You have to find out as much as possible about the company that has approached you with the opportunity, as well as their career progression plans. You can contact the human resources department before you make the final decision and ask them for details on various career development policies and plans.

Will It Improve Your Health?

One of the things you must ask yourself before deciding to relocate for work is whether or not you can live a healthier life in your new city. It is important that you check the pollution levels, the recreation opportunities for you and your family, and the exercise and live a healthy life.

Are You Ready for the Challenges?

It is important that you accept the fact that you will face challenges during and after the move. You have to face the stress that comes with moving, packing, and apartments hunting. If you decide to relocate to a new country and start a new life in Malaysia, you will also have to be prepared for the culture shock that comes with the lifestyle change. You will need to get used to the new language and culture, the customs, the traffic, and the lifestyle changes. If you are not in a good place to start with, the challenges will knock you out of your balance.

Can You Trust the Company?

When it comes to offers, companies have little to lose, You, however, after relocating will have a lot. This is the reason why you should always check out the contract and make sure that you are happy with the guarantees and conditions of employment. If you don’t know how much deductions the company will take for your accommodation, tax, insurance, or other costs, you’d better ask before you say yes.

Do You Get Relocation Support?

If the company is serious about employing you, they will offer support with relocation, and offer temporary accommodation for you until you find the suitable home for you and your family. If you are not offered this service, you will have to stop and think whether or not the management is really serious about getting you on board. After all, you have a lot to offer, and you are worth it. If the company doesn’t offer a fixed term contract and support with your training and relocation, chances are that they are not serious enough.

Will You Enjoy Your New Job More?

It is crucial that you find out as much as possible about the position and the job itself to avoid disappointed. If you only guess based on the job title what you will have to do, you’d better make that phone call and ask relevant questions. Some people have a dream job, and as soon as someone offers the right position they forget to ask questions and get a full description of responsibilities. You might get a pay rise that is worth relocating for, but if you will need to work much more, it might not be worth it after all.

Do You Have to Close All the Doors Behind You?

If you are still not convinced that you are making the right decision, you will have to ask yourself whether you will need to close all the doors behind you. Nobody can be sure that a new job will work out as they expected. This is the reason why you might offer a trial period and allow yourself time to make up your mind. You can relocate temporarily and take a career break from your current job, so you can find out as much as possible about the role, the location, and the lifestyle. If you are happy with the changes after a few months, you can finalize the contract and give up your current position.

Relocating for work is a decision not to be taken lightly. Evaluate your options and ask the right questions to avoid disappointments.